Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A system for controlling cycling operations of backup battery units configured to supply backup electrical power to electronic components in a datacenter, the system comprising: electronic components having a power demand; backup battery units configured to supply backup electrical power to the electronic components; power supply units configured to supply electrical power to the electronic components, each of the power supply units being configured to switch between receiving electrical power from a primary power supply and a respective one of the backup battery units; and a controller comprising a processor and memory containing executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the controller to: receive a request to cause a selected backup battery unit of the backup battery units to undergo a cycling operation; receive information indicative of a total power capacity of a remaining set of the backup battery units not including the selected backup battery unit; determine the total power capacity of the remaining set of the backup battery units based on the information; compare the total power capacity of the remaining set of the backup battery units to a threshold, the threshold being based on the power demand of the electronic components over a predetermined period of time; and prevent the selected backup battery unit from initiating the cycling operation in response to determining that the total power capacity is below the threshold.
A system manages backup battery units in a datacenter, ensuring continuous power to electronic components. It includes electronic components with a power demand, multiple backup battery units, and power supply units that can switch between primary power or a backup battery. A controller, with a processor and memory, receives a request for a specific battery to perform a maintenance "cycling operation." It then determines the total power capacity of all *other* remaining batteries. This remaining capacity is compared against a threshold, which is based on the electronic components' power demand over a set period. If the remaining battery capacity is below this threshold, the system prevents the selected battery from starting its cycling operation to maintain sufficient backup power.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the executable instructions are further configured to cause the controller to: query a subset of the power supply units associated with the remaining set of the backup battery units to determine whether any one of the remaining set of the backup battery units is offline; and prevent the selected backup battery unit from undergoing the cycling operation in response to a determination that any one of the remaining set of the backup battery units is offline.
A system manages backup battery units in a datacenter, ensuring continuous power to electronic components. It includes electronic components with a power demand, multiple backup battery units, and power supply units that can switch between primary power or a backup battery. A controller, with a processor and memory, receives a request for a specific battery to perform a maintenance "cycling operation." It then determines the total power capacity of all *other* remaining batteries. This remaining capacity is compared against a threshold, which is based on the electronic components' power demand over a set period. If the remaining battery capacity is below this threshold, the system prevents the selected battery from starting its cycling operation. Additionally, the controller queries the power supply units connected to the remaining batteries to check if any of them are currently offline. If any of these remaining backup battery units are offline, the system also prevents the selected battery from undergoing its cycling operation, further ensuring backup power redundancy.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the executable instructions are further configured to cause the controller to: query a subset of the power supply units associated with the remaining set of the backup battery units to determine whether any one of the remaining set of the backup battery units has generated an exception; and prevent the selected backup battery unit from undergoing the cycling operation in response to a determination that any one of the remaining set of the backup battery units has generated an exception.
A system manages backup battery units in a datacenter, ensuring continuous power to electronic components. It includes electronic components with a power demand, multiple backup battery units, and power supply units that can switch between primary power or a backup battery. A controller, with a processor and memory, receives a request for a specific battery to perform a maintenance "cycling operation." It then determines the total power capacity of all *other* remaining batteries. This remaining capacity is compared against a threshold, which is based on the electronic components' power demand over a set period. If the remaining battery capacity is below this threshold, the system prevents the selected battery from starting its cycling operation. Furthermore, the controller queries the power supply units connected to the remaining batteries to check if any of them have generated an exception (e.g., a fault or error). If any of these remaining backup battery units have generated an exception, the system also prevents the selected battery from undergoing its cycling operation, ensuring the stability and reliability of the backup power.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the executable instructions are further configured to cause the controller to: determine the total power capacity of the remaining set of the backup battery units by summing respective power capacities of the remaining set of the backup battery units; and cause the selected backup battery unit to undergo the cycling operation in response to determining that the total power capacity of the remaining set of the backup battery units exceeds the threshold.
A system manages backup battery units in a datacenter, ensuring continuous power to electronic components. It includes electronic components with a power demand, multiple backup battery units, and power supply units that can switch between primary power or a backup battery. A controller, with a processor and memory, receives a request for a specific battery to perform a maintenance "cycling operation." The controller determines the total power capacity of all *other* remaining batteries by summing their individual power capacities. This remaining capacity is then compared against a threshold, which is based on the electronic components' power demand over a set period. If the remaining battery capacity is below this threshold, the system prevents the selected battery from starting its cycling operation. Conversely, if the controller determines that the total power capacity of the remaining set of backup battery units *exceeds* the threshold, it will allow the selected backup battery unit to undergo its cycling operation.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein: the backup battery units comprise six backup battery units; and when each of the six battery backup units is in a new condition and fully charged, a total power capacity of any five of the six battery backup units meets or exceeds the power demand.
A system manages backup battery units in a datacenter, ensuring continuous power to electronic components. It includes electronic components with a power demand, multiple backup battery units, and power supply units that can switch between primary power or a backup battery. A controller, with a processor and memory, receives a request for a specific battery to perform a maintenance "cycling operation." It then determines the total power capacity of all *other* remaining batteries. This remaining capacity is compared against a threshold, which is based on the electronic components' power demand over a set period. If the remaining battery capacity is below this threshold, the system prevents the selected battery from starting its cycling operation. In a specific configuration, the system comprises six backup battery units. When these units are new and fully charged, the combined total power capacity of any five out of these six battery units is sufficient to meet or exceed the power demand of the electronic components.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein: the threshold is set to meet or exceed the power demand of the electronic components over a predetermined duration; the threshold is at least 2 kw; and the predetermined duration is at least 3 minutes.
A system manages backup battery units in a datacenter, ensuring continuous power to electronic components. It includes electronic components with a power demand, multiple backup battery units, and power supply units that can switch between primary power or a backup battery. A controller, with a processor and memory, receives a request for a specific battery to perform a maintenance "cycling operation." It then determines the total power capacity of all *other* remaining batteries. This remaining capacity is compared against a threshold. This threshold is specifically set to meet or exceed the power demand of the electronic components over a predetermined duration. For example, the threshold is at least 2 kilowatts (kW), and the predetermined duration is at least 3 minutes. If the remaining battery capacity is below this threshold, the system prevents the selected battery from starting its cycling operation to maintain sufficient backup power.
7. A method, comprising: receiving a request to cause a selected backup battery unit of a plurality of backup battery units to undergo a cycling operation, wherein the plurality of battery backup units are configured to supply backup electrical power to an electronic device; determining whether a remaining set of the backup battery units has a total power capacity sufficient to satisfy a power demand associated with the electronic device, wherein the remaining set of the backup battery units does not include the selected battery backup unit; and preventing, via a power supply unit operatively coupled with the selected battery backup unit, first selected backup battery unit from undergoing the cycling operation in response to a determination that the total power capacity is not sufficient to satisfy the power demand.
A method manages backup battery units to supply backup power to an electronic device, such as datacenter components. The method begins by receiving a request for a specific backup battery unit, chosen from a group of multiple units, to perform a maintenance "cycling operation." Next, it determines whether the total power capacity of all *other* remaining backup battery units (not including the selected one) is sufficient to satisfy the power demand of the electronic device. If it is determined that the total power capacity of the remaining batteries is *not* sufficient to satisfy the power demand, the system then prevents the selected backup battery unit from undergoing its cycling operation. This prevention is performed via the power supply unit that is operatively coupled with the selected backup battery unit, ensuring the electronic device maintains adequate backup power.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the cycling operation comprises a learning cycle or a conditioning cycle.
A method manages backup battery units to supply backup power to an electronic device, such as datacenter components. The method begins by receiving a request for a specific backup battery unit, chosen from a group of multiple units, to perform a maintenance "cycling operation." This cycling operation could be, for example, a learning cycle to calibrate the battery's capacity or a conditioning cycle to optimize its performance. Next, it determines whether the total power capacity of all *other* remaining backup battery units (not including the selected one) is sufficient to satisfy the power demand of the electronic device. If it is determined that the total power capacity of the remaining batteries is *not* sufficient to satisfy the power demand, the system then prevents the selected backup battery unit from undergoing its cycling operation. This prevention is performed via the power supply unit that is operatively coupled with the selected backup battery unit, ensuring the electronic device maintains adequate backup power.
9. The method of claim 7 , further comprising: detecting whether any of the remaining set of the backup battery units is undergoing a cycling operation; and preventing, via the power supply unit associated with the first selected backup battery unit, the selected backup battery unit from undergoing the cycling operation in response to detecting that any of the remaining set of the backup battery units is undergoing a cycling operation.
A method manages backup battery units to supply backup power to an electronic device, such as datacenter components. The method begins by receiving a request for a specific backup battery unit, chosen from a group of multiple units, to perform a maintenance "cycling operation." Next, it determines whether the total power capacity of all *other* remaining backup battery units (not including the selected one) is sufficient to satisfy the power demand of the electronic device. If it is determined that the total power capacity of the remaining batteries is *not* sufficient to satisfy the power demand, the system then prevents the selected backup battery unit from undergoing its cycling operation. This prevention is performed via the power supply unit that is operatively coupled with the selected backup battery unit. Additionally, the method further detects if any of the *remaining* set of backup battery units are currently undergoing a cycling operation. If any of these other batteries are detected to be cycling, the selected backup battery unit is also prevented from starting its own cycling operation, maintaining sufficient redundancy.
10. The method of claim 9 , further comprising: instructing the power supply unit associated with the selected backup battery unit to prevent the selected backup battery unit from undergoing the cycling operation while any of the remaining set of the backup battery units is undergoing a cycling operation.
A method manages backup battery units to supply backup power to an electronic device, such as datacenter components. The method begins by receiving a request for a specific backup battery unit, chosen from a group of multiple units, to perform a maintenance "cycling operation." Next, it determines whether the total power capacity of all *other* remaining backup battery units (not including the selected one) is sufficient to satisfy the power demand of the electronic device. If it is determined that the total power capacity of the remaining batteries is *not* sufficient to satisfy the power demand, the system then prevents the selected backup battery unit from undergoing its cycling operation. This prevention is performed via the power supply unit that is operatively coupled with the selected backup battery unit. Additionally, the method further detects if any of the *remaining* set of backup battery units are currently undergoing a cycling operation. If any of these other batteries are detected to be cycling, the system then explicitly instructs the power supply unit associated with the selected backup battery unit to prevent it from undergoing the cycling operation, ensuring multiple batteries aren't offline simultaneously.
11. The method of claim 7 , further comprising: detecting whether any backup battery unit of the remaining set of the backup battery units has generated an exception; and causing the power supply unit associated with the selected backup battery unit to prevent the selected backup battery unit from undergoing the cycling operation in response to detecting that a backup battery unit of the remaining set of the backup battery units has generated the exception.
A method manages backup battery units to supply backup power to an electronic device, such as datacenter components. The method begins by receiving a request for a specific backup battery unit, chosen from a group of multiple units, to perform a maintenance "cycling operation." Next, it determines whether the total power capacity of all *other* remaining backup battery units (not including the selected one) is sufficient to satisfy the power demand of the electronic device. If it is determined that the total power capacity of the remaining batteries is *not* sufficient to satisfy the power demand, the system then prevents the selected backup battery unit from undergoing its cycling operation. This prevention is performed via the power supply unit that is operatively coupled with the selected backup battery unit. Furthermore, the method also detects whether any backup battery unit within the *remaining* set has generated an exception (e.g., a fault or error). If such an exception is detected in a remaining battery unit, the power supply unit associated with the selected backup battery unit is instructed to prevent it from undergoing its cycling operation, ensuring system stability.
12. The method of claim 7 , further comprising: selecting a master device from among power supply units configured to supply electrical power to the electronic device; and querying the remaining set of the backup battery units by the master device to determine a status of each backup battery unit of the remaining set of the battery backup units.
This invention relates to power management systems for electronic devices, specifically addressing the need for reliable and efficient monitoring of backup battery units in a distributed power supply configuration. The system includes multiple power supply units and backup battery units that collectively provide electrical power to an electronic device. A master device is selected from among the power supply units to oversee the power distribution and monitoring process. The master device queries the remaining backup battery units to determine their operational status, including parameters such as charge level, health, and availability. This ensures that the system can dynamically assess the readiness of backup power sources and maintain uninterrupted power supply to the electronic device. The method enhances system reliability by centralizing control and monitoring functions within a designated master device, reducing the risk of power failures due to undetected battery issues. The invention is particularly useful in applications requiring high availability, such as data centers, telecommunications equipment, and industrial control systems.
13. The method of claim 7 , further comprising: providing a controller configured to communicate with each of power supply units configured to supply electrical power to the electronic device; and querying the remaining set of the backup battery units by the controller to determine a status of each backup battery unit of the remaining set of the battery backup units.
A method manages backup battery units to supply backup power to an electronic device, such as datacenter components. The method begins by receiving a request for a specific backup battery unit, chosen from a group of multiple units, to perform a maintenance "cycling operation." Next, it determines whether the total power capacity of all *other* remaining backup battery units (not including the selected one) is sufficient to satisfy the power demand of the electronic device. If it is determined that the total power capacity of the remaining batteries is *not* sufficient to satisfy the power demand, the system then prevents the selected backup battery unit from undergoing its cycling operation. This prevention is performed via the power supply unit that is operatively coupled with the selected backup battery unit. Furthermore, the method involves providing a dedicated controller, which is configured to communicate with each of the power supply units. This controller is then responsible for querying the remaining set of backup battery units to determine the status of each individual battery unit, facilitating capacity assessment.
14. The method of claim 7 , wherein: the request to cause the selected backup battery unit to undergo the cycling operation is received by a selected power supply unit associated with the selected backup battery unit; and the selected power supply unit queries other power supply units associated with the remaining set of the backup battery units to determine a status of each backup battery unit of the remaining set of the backup battery units.
A method manages backup battery units to supply backup power to an electronic device, such as datacenter components. The method begins by receiving a request for a specific backup battery unit, chosen from a group of multiple units, to perform a maintenance "cycling operation." This request is specifically received by a selected power supply unit that is associated with the selected backup battery unit. Next, it determines whether the total power capacity of all *other* remaining backup battery units (not including the selected one) is sufficient to satisfy the power demand of the electronic device. To do this, the selected power supply unit queries other power supply units that are associated with the remaining set of backup battery units to determine the status of each of those remaining battery units. If it is determined that the total power capacity of the remaining batteries is *not* sufficient to satisfy the power demand, the system then prevents the selected backup battery unit from undergoing its cycling operation. This prevention is performed via the power supply unit operatively coupled with the selected backup battery unit, ensuring backup power.
15. The method of claim 14 , further comprising: receiving a second request to cause a second selected backup battery unit of the remainder remaining set of the backup battery units to undergo a second cycling operation; and preventing the second backup battery unit from undergoing the second cycling operation in response to the second request being received after the request to cause the selected backup battery unit to undergo the cycling operation.
A method manages backup battery units to supply backup power to an electronic device, such as datacenter components. It receives a request for a specific backup battery unit to perform a cycling operation, with this request initially received by the power supply unit associated with that selected battery. This PSU then queries other PSUs connected to the *remaining* backup battery units to determine their status and total power capacity. The method determines if the total capacity of these remaining batteries is sufficient for the electronic device's power demand. If not, the selected battery is prevented from cycling via its associated power supply unit. Additionally, if a second request is received for a *different* backup battery unit (from the remaining set) to undergo a second cycling operation, and this second request arrives *after* the first request, the second backup battery unit is prevented from cycling. This ensures that only one battery undergoes cycling at a time to maintain system redundancy and power availability.
16. A system, comprising: a controller comprising a processor and memory containing executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the controller to: receive a request to cause a selected backup battery unit to undergo a cycling operation, wherein backup battery units configured to supply electrical power to a shared power demand comprise the selected backup battery unit; determine whether a remaining set of the backup battery units can supply sufficient power to meet or exceed the shared power demand, wherein the remaining set of the backup battery units does not include the selected backup battery unit; and prevent the selected backup battery unit from undergoing the cycling operation in response to determining that the remaining set of the backup battery units cannot supply sufficient power to satisfy the shared power demand.
A system manages backup battery units, comprising a controller with a processor and memory containing executable instructions. When these instructions are executed, the controller receives a request for a specific backup battery unit to undergo a maintenance "cycling operation." These backup battery units collectively supply electrical power to a shared power demand, such as datacenter components. The controller then determines whether the remaining set of backup battery units (excluding the selected one) can supply enough power to meet or exceed this shared power demand. If the controller determines that the remaining backup battery units *cannot* supply sufficient power to satisfy the shared power demand, it prevents the selected backup battery unit from undergoing its cycling operation. This ensures that critical systems maintain continuous backup power even when a battery needs maintenance.
17. The system of claim 16 , wherein: each of the backup battery units is operably connected with a respective power supply unit for supplying power to and receiving power from the backup battery unit; the controller comprises a power management controller; and the executable instructions are further configured to cause the power management controller to communicate with each of the power supply units via a common bus.
A system manages backup battery units, comprising a controller with a processor and memory containing executable instructions. When these instructions are executed, the controller receives a request for a specific backup battery unit to undergo a maintenance "cycling operation." These backup battery units collectively supply electrical power to a shared power demand, such as datacenter components. The controller then determines whether the remaining set of backup battery units (excluding the selected one) can supply enough power to meet or exceed this shared power demand. If the controller determines that the remaining backup battery units *cannot* supply sufficient power to satisfy the shared power demand, it prevents the selected backup battery unit from undergoing its cycling operation. This system is further configured such that each backup battery unit is operably connected with its own respective power supply unit for both supplying and receiving power. The controller acts as a power management controller, and its executable instructions enable it to communicate with each of these power supply units via a common communication bus.
18. The system of claim 16 , wherein: each of the backup battery units is operably connected with a respective power supply unit for supplying power to and receiving power from the backup battery unit; and the controller is configured to query a master device selected from among the power supply units to determine a status of each backup battery unit of the remaining set of the battery backup units.
A system manages backup battery units, comprising a controller with a processor and memory containing executable instructions. When these instructions are executed, the controller receives a request for a specific backup battery unit to undergo a maintenance "cycling operation." These backup battery units collectively supply electrical power to a shared power demand, such as datacenter components. The controller then determines whether the remaining set of backup battery units (excluding the selected one) can supply enough power to meet or exceed this shared power demand. If the controller determines that the remaining backup battery units *cannot* supply sufficient power to satisfy the shared power demand, it prevents the selected backup battery unit from undergoing its cycling operation. Additionally, each backup battery unit in this system is operably connected with a respective power supply unit for power transfer. To determine the status of the remaining battery units, the controller is specifically configured to query a designated "master device" that is selected from among these power supply units.
19. The system of claim 16 , wherein: each of the backup battery units is operably connected with a respective power supply unit for supplying power to and receiving power from the backup battery unit; and the controller is configured to query a controlling power supply unit temporarily selected from among the power supply units to determine a status of each backup battery unit of the remaining set of the battery backup units, the controlling power supply unit corresponding to the selected backup battery unit.
A system manages backup battery units, comprising a controller with a processor and memory containing executable instructions. When these instructions are executed, the controller receives a request for a specific backup battery unit to undergo a maintenance "cycling operation." These backup battery units collectively supply electrical power to a shared power demand, such as datacenter components. The controller then determines whether the remaining set of backup battery units (excluding the selected one) can supply enough power to meet or exceed this shared power demand. If the controller determines that the remaining backup battery units *cannot* supply sufficient power to satisfy the shared power demand, it prevents the selected backup battery unit from undergoing its cycling operation. Furthermore, each backup battery unit is operably connected with a respective power supply unit. The controller is configured to query a "controlling power supply unit," which is temporarily selected from among the power supply units and specifically corresponds to the *selected* backup battery unit itself. This controlling power supply unit then determines the status of each backup battery unit in the remaining set.
20. The system of claim 16 , wherein a total power capacity of the backup battery units exceeds the shared power demand by at least an amount corresponding to a first capacity of one of the backup battery units, such that a subset of the backup battery units can provide power equal to or exceeding the shared power demand when one or more of the backup battery units are taken offline.
A system manages backup battery units, comprising a controller with a processor and memory containing executable instructions. When these instructions are executed, the controller receives a request for a specific backup battery unit to undergo a maintenance "cycling operation." These backup battery units collectively supply electrical power to a shared power demand, such as datacenter components. The controller then determines whether the remaining set of backup battery units (excluding the selected one) can supply enough power to meet or exceed this shared power demand. If the controller determines that the remaining backup battery units *cannot* supply sufficient power to satisfy the shared power demand, it prevents the selected backup battery unit from undergoing its cycling operation. An important aspect of this system is that the total power capacity of all backup battery units exceeds the shared power demand by at least the capacity of one full backup battery unit. This over-provisioning ensures that a subset of the backup battery units can still provide power equal to or exceeding the shared demand even when one or more individual units are taken offline for maintenance or other reasons.
Unknown
July 28, 2020
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